The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid received a major redesign, both inside and out. Exterior features include a more prominent satin-aluminum grille, a revamped front end, new headlights and taillights, new side panels, and a redesigned rear bumper.

Interior improvements include a new dash and console, as well as ice blue interior lighting, satin-pewter and chrome trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an MP3 audio input jack for the stereo system. Also new is Electric Power Assisted steering.

But the real story is under the hood of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, where its hybrid engine resides. The Mariner Hybrid is equipped with a 2.3-liter, inline four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle (gas) Engine coupled with an electric motor and a 330-volt sealed nickel-metal hybrid battery pack, which is located on the floor of the cargo bay.

Rounding out the powerplant is a electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT), which works with the gas engine and electric motor to provide seamless acceleration.

The gas engine and electric motor work in sync to provide maximum efficiency. At stoplights or when coasting, for instance, the gas engine automatically shuts down to conserve fuel, and when it is running, it charges the battery pack. The battery pack in turn provides energy to start the engine and, along with the generator motor, provides the drive power at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.

The battery pack is also charged by the vehicle's Regenerative Braking System. Whenever the brakes are applied, they generate electricity and charge the battery.

The Mercury Hybrid can be equipped with an optional Intelligent 4WD System, which monitors traction 200 tunes per second and applies torque automatically to minimize slipping.

The 2008 Mariner Hybrid is outfitted with two-tone leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone climte control system, an available power moonroof, and an optional Audiophile Sound System and optional Sirius Satellite Radio. It also comes with anti-lock brakes, a Roll Stability Control system, and automatic headlights that turn off and on automatically depending on outside lighting conditions.